Despite the formidable supermajority requirement, enough Mukilteans said yes to a permanent Emergency Medical Services levy that the city won’t have to ask again.

 

The results won’t be certified until Sept. 1, but as of 5 p.m. Monday, the measure held a comfortable 61.69 percent approval, with 3,032 saying yes, and 1,883 turning it down.

 

Most levies require only a majority approval – 50 percent plus one voter – but permanent measures such as Mukilteo’s effort require the 60 percent supermajority.

 

“I’m pleasantly surprised,” Councilmember Kevin Stoltz said. “I was concerned the combination of us not getting enough information out soon enough and the online voters pamphlet might hurt us.

 

“I was also concerned that we hadn't adequately responded to concerns of the ‘net’ tax increase by eliminating the EMS funding that previously came from the General Fund.”

 

Stoltz referred to finance director Scott James’ efforts to transition the city’s accounting system so that each service has its own revenue source, and that each one pays for itself.

 

Up until now, the city would supplement the EMS levy money with $560,000 from the General Fund each year.

 

This levy replaces the six-year measure that expires Dec. 31. It also raises the amount from  a current 23 cents per $1,000 assessed property value (down from the voter-approved 35 cents due to changes in property values) to 50 cents.

 

Learning from previous experience – it took the current levy three tries and considerable watering down before voters approved it – councilmembers voted earlier to place it on the November general election ballot as well.

 

Should that have failed, there would be no revenue to help pay the costs of EMS come Jan. 1, finance director James cautioned voters.

 

“Fortunately, Mukilteo voters were satisfied with the proposal before them, and we don't have to contemplate what to do when the current EMS levy expires,” Stoltz said.
The city has time to remove the measure from November’s ballot and will not incur those costs.
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In the 21st Legislative District, Rep. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds) dominated a field of four, earning 50.52 percent of the vote. His closest competitor, Republican Elizabeth Scott, earned 32.30 percent and the right to face off with Liias in the general election in November.

 

His seatmate, Mary Helen Roberts (D-Edmonds), easily held off challenger Republican Ed Borey, earning 57 percent of the vote. With only one opponent in the primary, Roberts won’t have to run for her seat again this November.

 

Longtime incumbent Senator Paull Shin (D-Edmonds) fought off two Republican challengers, David Preston and Glen Sayes, to earn 62.39 percent of the vote.

 

Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney Mark Roe held a comfortable lead over challenger Jim Kenny, with 67.41 percent of the vote.

 

Democratic U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, in a field of 14 other competitors, garnered 46.24 percent. Her closest challenger, Republican Dino Rossi, earned the right to face her in November with 33.27 percent.

 

While the two represent the two largest political parties, our Top 2 primary could have advanced two from the same party, had the vote gone that way.

 

Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wa) drew 54.16 percent of his vote, and will face Republican James Watkins in November. Inslee had two other challengers for his long-held seat.

 

Rep. Rick Larsen had a tougher battle, earning just 40.36 percent of the vote, falling short of his November opponent, Republican John Koster.

 

Koster, currently serving on Snohomish County Council, drew 44.49 percent of the vote.